Former Down GAA player Charlie Smyth has been released by the NFL's New Orleans Saints after failing to secure a roster spot during their pre-season. Smyth, who signed a three-year deal in December 2025, participated in the team's training camp and played in their final pre-season game against the Dallas Cowboys, which they won 27-24. Despite being considered a favorite to retain his position, the Saints introduced several new options, including former Las Vegas Raiders Pro Bowler Daniel Carlson, who impressed with two long field goals and an extra point. Smyth missed a field goal in the game and did not make any field goals himself. The Saints plan to keep Smyth on the practice squad due to his eligibility under the International Pathway program, allowing them a roster exemption. He remains available for signing until 5 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026.
Charlie Smyth is set to remain with the New Orleans Saints on their practice squad after being waived ahead of the upcoming NFL season. The decision comes after a competitive training camp and a final pre-season game against the Dallas Cowboys, which the Saints won 27-24. Smyth, a former Gaelic footballer from Down, Ireland, had entered the season as a key contender for a roster spot but ultimately fell behind after the team added several alternatives, including veteran kicker Daniel Carlson. Smyth joined the NFL through the international player pathway (IPP), a route designed to allow non-American players to compete under specific rules. This status means he does not count toward the 16-player limit on active rosters, allowing the Saints to retain him on the practice squad. While other NFL teams had the opportunity to claim him on Monday, no offers were reportedly made. His release marks a setback for the 32-year-old, who had signed a three-year contract earlier this year and was expected to earn an average annual salary of around $988,333 if he remained on the active roster. Instead, he will receive a practice squad salary of approximately $234,000 per year. During the 2025 season, Smyth started six games and recorded 12 of 16 field goals, along with all 13 of his extra-point attempts. One standout moment came in a crucial matchup against the Carolina Panthers, where he kicked a 47-yard field goal with just six seconds remaining to secure a win for the Saints. Despite these performances, the team opted to bring in Daniel Carlson, a former Pro Bowler with the Las Vegas Raiders, to challenge Smyth for the starting role. Carlson, who arrived just before the pre-season game, proved himself by hitting a 53-yard field goal, the game winner, alongside a successful extra point. Smyth’s path to the NFL began with his career in Gaelic football, a sport played in Ireland and shared with rugby. He transitioned to American football through the IPP, a program that allows international athletes to bypass the traditional college route. His journey reflects the growing opportunities for players from outside the U.S., though it also highlights the challenges of adapting to a new style of play and competition level. In interviews earlier this year, Smyth expressed cautious optimism about his future, noting that none of his contracts are guaranteed. He emphasized that while his recent waiver is disappointing, he remains focused on continuing to improve and prove his value. The Saints' decision to keep Smyth on the practice squad underscores the team’s strategy to maintain depth and flexibility. With the NFL season approaching, having players like Smyth available for training and potential call-ups provides valuable insurance. However, the lack of interest from other teams suggests that his chances of securing a more prominent role in the coming season may be limited unless he demonstrates consistent performance during the offseason. As the NFL season prepares to begin, Smyth’s situation serves as a case study of the unpredictable nature of professional sports. While he faces uncertainty, his experience and skill suggest he still has a place in the league, even if it is not on the active roster. Whether he will find a new opportunity or continue with the Saints remains to be seen. For now, he will focus on staying ready and contributing wherever needed.
2 reports
The Irish TimesIndependent🔒CenterFactual 90Objective 858/31/2026
Charlie Smyth, an Irish-born kicker who joined the NFL through the international player pathway (IPP), was waived by the New Orleans Saints just before the new NFL season. Despite having a solid performance last season with 12 made field goals and perfect extra-point conversions, Smyth was moved down the pecking order after the team signed experienced kicker Daniel Carlson. He is expected to remain on the Saints' practice squad, where IPP players are exempt from the 16-player roster limit. While this is a setback for Smyth, who could have earned an average annual salary of $988,333 on the active roster, he will now earn approximately $234,000 annually on the practice squad. Smyth has expressed realism about his career, noting that none of his contract is guaranteed and that teams can release players if they underperform.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports-related event involving an athlete's career status and does not engage with politically charged topics such as government policies, elections, or social issues. The framing remains neutral, presenting factual information about Smyth's situation without overtly favorit
Why factuality (90): This article provides detailed and accurate information about Smyth's release, including his performance statistics, the impact of Daniel Carlson's arrival, and the financial aspects of his contract. It references his previous performance and quotes Smyth directly, which adds credibility. The facts
Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a balanced tone, presenting both Smyth's and the team's perspectives. It discusses the potential financial implications and includes direct quotes from Smyth, which provide insight without appearing biased. The focus is on factual reporting rather than opinionated commentary.
Former Down GAA player Charlie Smyth has been released by the NFL's New Orleans Saints after failing to secure a roster spot during their pre-season. Smyth, who signed a three-year deal in December 2025, participated in the team's training camp and played in their final pre-season game against the Dallas Cowboys, which they won 27-24. Despite being considered a favorite to retain his position, the Saints introduced several new options, including former Las Vegas Raiders Pro Bowler Daniel Carlson, who impressed with two long field goals and an extra point. Smyth missed a field goal in the game and did not make any field goals himself. The Saints plan to keep Smyth on the practice squad due to his eligibility under the International Pathway program, allowing them a roster exemption. He remains available for signing until 5 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026.
Bias read (Center): The article covers a sports-related event involving an NFL team and a player's release, which is not a politically charged subject. The framing is neutral, focusing on the performance and contractual aspects without taking a stance on political issues.
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports that Charlie Smyth was released by the New Orleans Saints after a competitive training camp and a pre-season game against the Dallas Cowboys. It mentions the outcome of the game, the performance of both Smyth and Daniel Carlson, and the implications of Smyth's release.
Why objectivity (80): The article presents the situation neutrally, discussing the competition between Smyth and Carlson, and the financial implications of Smyth's release. While it includes quotes from Smyth, it does so in a way that reflects his perspective without overt bias. The tone remains professional and informat
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